When it’s time to say good bye, The Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center has support and counseling available for caregivers- to learn more of our services, click here.
Great Read on saying Good Bye from Laura Bush- enjoy and SHARE!
When former first lady Laura Bush was campaigning with her husband for the governorship of Texas and raising her young twin girls, she was also taking care of her father, who had Alzheimer’s disease. He died in 1995. As part of The Shriver Report on Alzheimer’s, Bush shared the following essay about that struggle.
“For years I’ve been an advocate for health concerns like breast cancer and heart disease, because I believe lifelong good health begins with awareness. This truth has helped shape our fight against HIV/AIDS, heart disease and various cancers, but the same lesson can be applied to another leading cause of death in America — Alzheimer’s disease. Today it’s estimated that 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and someone develops a new case every 70 seconds. And while nearly 11 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers to those affected by Alzheimer’s, their stories often go untold. They’re on the front lines of fighting a disease that shows no reverence for a life well-lived. They see the slow fade of a once vibrant life. Their experiences can help raise awareness and spur research to find a cure, so we can build a future in which Alzheimer’s no longer exists.
In every 10 households, at least one of the family member’s is a caregiver. In the United States today, there are 34 million of them.
Over half are women and many are children! They’re looking after someone who can’t fully take care of himself or herself. In some cases, it’s a temporary disability. In other cases, it’s a progressive disability, like Alzheimer’s disease. In many, it is terminal. And in almost every case, the caregiver makes a huge and commendable effort looking after the care-receiver.
Caregivers are magnificent and generous people, but they stubbornly look after themselves last, very much to their detriment. Here are some helpful tips that may improve your health conditions.
1. Compromise
It’s not always easy, but work hard to avoid family fights and resentment. Don’t let old wounds or issues pull your family apart. This is a time to stick together and make compromises.
2. Coordinate
If you’re a family member or close friend, consider offering your services if you have a particular skill that might be helpful. Perhaps you are familiar with submitting insurance claims or the complexities of Medicare or Medicaid? If you are a caregiver, allow your neighbor to shop or run errands when they offer. Take advantage of the extra time and do something special for yourself.
3. Encourage
Encourage the caregiver to find some type of professional support. If he or she is not comfortable with in-person support groups, suggest online support. There is a wide variety of resources available in most communities. Do the research for them and then pass it along. If you are a caregiver, consider for a moment that although your experience is unique, others have traveled a similar path and might offer inspiration and strength.
To review the last six Caregiver Tips, click here now.
